Tourism makes approximately 10% of Greenland's exports, with fisheries accounting for the remaining 90%. Economic diversification has become a key priority for the government, which aims for tourism to account for 40% of exports by 2035.
The last detailed tourism report was published in 2024. It shows that the flow of international cruise tourists to Greenland in 2024 was approximately 95,200 and 71,770 foreign citizens used air transport.
Top countries by tourist flow to Greenland (air transport)
1. Denmark: 35,467 (down 3.8% since 2023)
2. USA: 6,150 (up 118.4%)
3. Germany: 4,595 (up 28.6%)
4. France: 2,440 (up 39.1%)
5. Canada: 1,878 (up 270.4%)
6. UK: 1,457 (down 5.5%)
7. China: 1,250 (up 416.5%)
8. Sweden: 986 (up 2%)
9. Norway: 902 (down 15.4%)
10. Iceland: 810 (down 54.7%)
Top countries by cruise passengers:
1. USA: 47,455 (up 42%)
2. Germany: 12,453 (down 4%)
3. UK: 7,513 (up 39%)
4. Canada: 6,403 (up 44%)
5. Australia: 3,651 (down 11%)
6. France: 2,546 (up 11%)
7. China: 2,089 (up 95%)
8. Denmark: 906 (down 36%)
Russians are also mentioned in the report, but only among air passengers. In 2024, only 19 passengers with Russian residence were registered in Greenland. This is a 59.6% drop compared to 2023 (47%).
Russians have to apply for a visa to visit Greenland. A standard Schengen visa does not grant entry; a separate permit is also required—specifically, a Danish national visa with a special "Valid for Greenland" note.
All travel to the island is through EU countries only; in the summer, travel is possible through the US or Canada. It should be noted that Denmark currently does not issue tourist visas to Russians. However, the tourists can try their luck at the country's visa centers outside of Russia or to use a passport of another country, if the person has one.
